Toothbrush combined with rinsing cup

ABSTRACT

The technology described herein provides a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup. A combined toothbrush and rinsing cup includes a head, a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head, a body integrally connected to the head, a connectivity base integrally connected to the body, and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base. Additionally, a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup includes a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle that includes a connector end, a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush, and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup. The toothbrush is removably connected to the toothbrush handle and wherein the toothbrush is configured for inversion and subsequent storage within the toothbrush handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to the field of toothbrushes for dental hygiene. More specifically, this technology relates to toothbrushes that incorporate a rinsing cup in a single, combined device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Persons are generally encouraged by dental professionals to brush their teeth several times in a day, including, for example, after each meal. For example, if one eats three meals a day, brushing should occur at least three times that day. It is also recommended by dental professionals to commence such brushing as nearly as possible after completion of the meal, preferably within a few minutes. Dental professionals have observed that many persons will only brush at home while having the convenience of a toothbrush and rinsing cup on site and at hand. Difficulties arise as these persons travel with no toothbrush and/or means of rinsing in possession.

Related patents known in the art include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,003, issued to Frison on Sep. 26, 2006, discloses a combined toothbrush and mouthwash device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,063, issued to DePinto on Jul. 28, 1998, discloses a combination toothbrush and drinking cup. U.S. Pat. No. 1,364,188, issued to Draenert on Jan. 4, 1921, discloses a toothbrush.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup that includes a head, a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head, a body integrally connected to the head, a connectivity base integrally connected to the body, and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base. Additionally, the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup includes a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle that includes a connector end, a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush, and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup.

The toothbrush is removably connected to the toothbrush handle and wherein the toothbrush is configured for inversion and subsequent storage within the toothbrush handle.

The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup also includes a cap removably attached upon a base of the toothbrush handle for use on the toothbrush handle when not in use as a rinsing cup. The cap can include a plurality of ventilation holes. The cap can include an inner edge and an outer edge, both edges configured for sealable attachment to the base of the toothbrush handle.

The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup further includes a plurality of grip ridges disposed upon the toothbrush handle to aid in the grasp of the toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush.

In various embodiments of the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup the toothbrush handle is filled with water and used a rinsing cup. In various embodiments of the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup the toothbrush handle stores water for subsequent use. In various embodiments of the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup the cap comprises a solid water-tight surface and is sealably attachable to the toothbrush handle to store water in the toothbrush handle for subsequent use. In various embodiments of the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup the tooth brush and toothbrush handle are comprised of disposable materials and the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup is a disposable device. In various embodiments of the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup the toothbrush and toothbrush handle are configured and sized to accommodate one of children, teens, adults, and elders.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a dental hygiene kit. The dental hygiene kit includes a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup with a toothbrush having a head, a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head, a body integrally connected to the head, a connectivity base integrally connected to the body, and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base. The dental hygiene kit also includes a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle that includes a connector end, a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush, and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup. The dental hygiene kit further includes toothpaste disposed within a toothpaste container for use on the toothbrush.

In various embodiments of the dental hygiene kit the toothbrush is removably connected to the toothbrush handle. In various embodiments of the dental hygiene kit the toothbrush is configured for inversion and subsequent storage within the toothbrush handle. The dental hygiene kit also can include a cap removably attached upon a base of the toothbrush handle for use on the toothbrush handle when not in use as a rinsing cup. The cap can comprise a plurality of ventilation holes. The dental hygiene kit also can include a plurality of grip ridges disposed upon the toothbrush handle to aid in the grasp of the toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush. In various embodiments of the dental hygiene kit the toothbrush handle is filled with water and used as a rinsing cup.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method of brushing teeth. The method includes utilizing a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup that includes a toothbrush having a head, a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head, a body integrally connected to the head, a connectivity base integrally connected to the body, and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base, and a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle including a connector end, a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush, and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup, and a toothpaste disposed within a toothpaste container for use on the toothbrush, and brushing teeth with the toothbrush, and utilizing the toothbrush handle to fill with water and rinsing with the water stored in the toothbrush handle.

The method also can include inverting the toothbrush and storing the toothbrush in the toothbrush handle. The method further can include providing ventilation to the stored toothbrush through a cap on the toothbrush handle, the cap comprising a plurality of ventilation holes.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a dorsal view of the toothbrush portion;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toothbrush portion;

FIG. 3 is a ventral view of the toothbrush portion;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the toothbrush portion;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the toothbrush portion;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the toothbrush portion;

FIG. 7 is a dorsal view of the rinsing cup portion;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the rinsing cup portion;

FIG. 9 is a ventral view of the rinsing cup portion;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the rinsing cup portion, without a cap;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the rinsing cup portion;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the rinsing cup portion;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a cap for the rinsing cup;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a cap for the rinsing cup;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a cap for the rinsing cup;

FIG. 16 is an end view of a cap for the rinsing cup;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cap for the rinsing cup;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the toothbrush portion connected to the rinsing cup portion;

FIG. 19 is an expanded view of the toothbrush portion, the rinsing cup portion, and the cap;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the toothbrush portion connected to the rinsing cup portion; and

FIG. 21 is a side view of the toothbrush portion kept and stored in the rinsing cup portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a combined toothbrush 10 and rinsing cup 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, a toothbrush 10 is shown. The toothbrush 10 includes a head 12. Upon the head 10 of the toothbrush 12 is disposed a plurality of bristles 20 for brushing teeth. The bristles 20 can be comprised of various numbers and of various materials as is known in the art. The toothbrush 10 also includes a body 14 integrally connected to the head 10 to support the head 10. The body 14 and the head 12 can vary in length. The variations in toothbrush size and number of bristles accommodates persons of all ages including children, teens, adults, and elders and accommodates users of varying skill sets, including, for example, disabled persons.

The toothbrush 10 also includes a connectivity base 16 integrally connected to the body 14. The toothbrush 10 further includes a brush connector 18 integrally connected to the connectivity base 16. In at least one embodiment, the brush connector 18 can be threaded for connectivity to the toothbrush handle rinsing cup. Alternatively, the toothbrush can connect to the toothbrush handle rinsing cup with sealable, removable insertion, like a bottle stopper. In one embodiment, the brush connector 18 is a male connector and is approximately two-thirds of an inch in width and length and approximately one-third of an inch in depth. These dimensions can vary so long as the toothbrush 10 is sealably connectable to the toothbrush handle rinsing cup. The toothbrush 10 can be sized variably such that it accommodates children, teens, adults, elders, and the handicapped. The length of the toothbrush 10 portion is, for example, three and a half inches in length. This length is varied to accommodate users of different ages and needs.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 12, a toothbrush handle 22 is shown. The toothbrush handle 22 is configured for sealable connectivity to the toothbrush 10. The sealable connectivity includes use of the toothbrush 10 sealably connected to the toothbrush handle 22 wherein the toothbrush 10 is exposed outwardly and available for use in brushing teeth. The sealable connectivity also includes use of the toothbrush 10 sealably connected to the toothbrush handle 22 wherein the toothbrush 10 is inverted and stored within the toothbrush handle 22 for storage, transportation, and sanitary hygiene. In such an arrangement the toothbrush 10 and bristles 20 are protected by the toothbrush handle 22 from direct outside contact.

The toothbrush handle 22 also includes a hollow cavity 44 capable of holding, for example, sixty to seventy milliliters of water, an amount sufficient for rinsing after the brushing of teeth. Thus, the toothbrush handle 22 operatively is configured to serves as a reusable rinsing cup. The toothbrush handle 22 further includes a cup connector end 26 for connectivity to the toothbrush 10. The cup connector end 26 is designed specifically for sealable connectivity with the toothbrush base 16 and brush connector 18.

The tooth brush handle 22 still further includes a back 24 portion and a grip 28 portion. The grip 28 can include a plurality of ridges for support by the hand of an operator of the toothbrush 10 and rinsing cup 22. The number of grip ridges can vary based upon the age or size of the user. As shown, there are three smooth ridges in the grip 28.

The brush connector 18 and the cup connector end 26 can be threaded to facilitate connectivity. The connectivity of the brush connector 18, base 16, and the cup connector end 26 create a water-tight seal, sealing the hollow cavity 44, such that the rinsing cup, or handle 22 of the toothbrush, is useful to contain water for a user as a rinsing cup. The cup connector end 26 of the tooth brush handle 22 is configured for sealable connectivity to the brush connector 18 of toothbrush 10. Once such connectivity is established, the tooth brush handle 22 serves as a rinsing cup by a user.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 17, a cap 30 for the toothbrush handle 22 is shown. The cap 30 includes a sealable trim piece having an inside edge 32 and an outside edge 34 to facilitate removable connectivity and attachment to the toothbrush handle 22. The cap 30 also includes an interior side 38 and an exterior side 36. The cap 30 further includes a multiplicity of ventilation holes 40 passing through the interior side 38 and the exterior side 36 to provide ventilation to the toothbrush 10 and bristles 20 when toothbrush 10 is stored within the toothbrush handle 22. Additionally, cap 30 provides a flat surface upon which the toothbrush 10 and toothbrush handle 22 can be stood in an upright position on a bathroom counter top, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, a cap 30 without ventilation holes provides for sealably storing water in the toothbrush handle 22 like a miniature water bottle for a brief period during travel.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 through 21, a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup 42 is shown. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup 42 includes a toothbrush 10, toothbrush handle 22, and cap 30. The brush connector 18 and base 16 of toothbrush 10 is inserted sealably to the cup connector end 26 of the toothbrush handle 22. The base 16 and the cup connector end 26 can be made of a plastic or rubberized material to facilitate secure connectivity and sealability.

As depicted specifically in FIG. 21, a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup 42 is shown in a storage and travel position. The toothbrush 10 is removable from the toothbrush handle 22 and storable within the toothbrush handle 10. A user can grip toothbrush 10 by its handle 14 and remove it from the toothbrush handle 22. Gripping the base 16 of the toothbrush 10, a user can then insert the toothbrush 10 into the toothbrush handle 22 head 12 first.

In at least one embodiment, the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup 42 is manufactured in a lightweight, disposable version.

In at least one embodiment, the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup 42 is included in a dental hygiene kit. The dental hygiene kit additionally includes a small portable toothpaste container for use on the toothbrush 10.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. A combined toothbrush and rinsing cup comprising: a toothbrush comprising: a head; a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head; a body integrally connected to the head; a connectivity base integrally connected to the body; and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base; and a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle comprising: a connector end; a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush; and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup.
 2. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush is removably connected to the toothbrush handle and wherein the toothbrush is configured for inversion and subsequent storage within the toothbrush handle.
 3. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, further comprising: a cap removably attached upon a base of the toothbrush handle for use on the toothbrush handle when not in use as a rinsing cup.
 4. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises a plurality of ventilation holes.
 5. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises an inner edge and an outer edge, both edges configured for sealable attachment to the base of the toothbrush handle.
 6. The a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of grip ridges disposed upon the toothbrush handle to aid in the grasp of the toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush.
 7. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush handle is filled with water and used a rinsing cup.
 8. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush handle stores water for subsequent use.
 9. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a solid water-tight surface and is sealably attachable to the toothbrush handle to store water in the toothbrush handle for subsequent use.
 10. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, wherein the tooth brush and toothbrush handle are comprised of disposable materials and the combined toothbrush and rinsing cup is a disposable device.
 11. The combined toothbrush and rinsing cup of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush and toothbrush handle are configured and sized to accommodate one of children, teens, adults, and elders.
 12. A dental hygiene kit comprising: a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup comprising: a head; a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head; a body integrally connected to the head; a connectivity base integrally connected to the body; and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base; and a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle comprising: a connector end; a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush; and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup; and a toothpaste disposed within a toothpaste container for use on the toothbrush.
 13. The dental hygiene travel kit of claim 11, wherein the toothbrush is removably connected to the toothbrush handle and wherein the toothbrush is configured for inversion and subsequent storage within the toothbrush handle.
 14. The dental hygiene travel kit of claim 11, further comprising: a cap removably attached upon a base of the toothbrush handle for use on the toothbrush handle when not in use as a rinsing cup.
 15. The dental hygiene travel kit of claim 11, wherein the cap comprises a plurality of ventilation holes.
 16. The dental hygiene travel kit of claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of grip ridges disposed upon the toothbrush handle to aid in the grasp of the toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush.
 17. The dental hygiene travel kit of claim 11, wherein the toothbrush handle is filled with water and used as a rinsing cup.
 18. A method of brushing teeth, the method comprising: utilizing a combined toothbrush and rinsing cup comprising: a toothbrush comprising: a head; a plurality of bristles disposed upon the head; a body integrally connected to the head; a connectivity base integrally connected to the body; and a male connector integrally connected to the connectivity base; and a toothbrush handle connected to the toothbrush, the toothbrush handle comprising: a connector end; a female connector disposed within the connector end of the toothbrush handle and configured for sealable attachment to the male connector of the toothbrush; and a hollow cavity disposed within the toothbrush handle and configured for use as a rinsing cup; and a toothpaste disposed within a toothpaste container for use on the toothbrush; brushing teeth with the toothbrush; and utilizing the toothbrush handle to fill with water and rinsing with the water stored in the toothbrush handle.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: inverting the toothbrush; and storing the toothbrush in the toothbrush handle.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: providing ventilation to the stored toothbrush through a cap on the toothbrush handle, the cap comprising a plurality of ventilation holes. 